Serum Interleukin 6 in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease patients and Its Relation to Severity and Acute Exacerbation

Background:Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a major cause of chronic morbidity and mortality worldwide. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) plays a significant role in the induction and maintenance of chronic inflammation. This study aimed to assess the serum IL6 level in COPD patients and its relation to severity of the disease and the incidence of acute exacerbation. Methods:A case control study was conducted. All participants underwent physical examination, pulmonary function tests [Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF), Forced Expiratory Flow at 25-75% of forced vital capacity (FEF25-75% ), and measurement of serum IL-6 levels byenzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results: This study included 100 participants. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A (COPD patients) and Group B (healthy control).Serum IL-6 levels were significantly higher among COPD patients versus controls (p < 0.001). Among COPD patients, IL-6 had a strong positive correlation with mMRC score (r = 0.605, p < 0.001) and a moderate positive correlation with CAT score (r = 0.588, p < 0.001). A moderate negative correlations were observed with FVC (r = -0.519, p < 0.001), FEV1 (r = -0.516, p < 0.001), FEF 25—75 (r = -0.563, p < 0.001), and six-minute walking distance (r = -0.546, p < 0.001).Conclusions:Serum IL-6 may serve as a useful biomarker for assessing COPD progression and acute exacerbations, warranting further investigation into its therapeutic potential